01. How long can I volunteer for?

For at least one month and up to 6 or 12 months.

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02. What qualifications do I need to volunteer?

We endeavour to send professional people who have an interest in development in a local and/or global context. As the Daughters of Charity work in community development, VLM volunteers need to be flexible, open to learning and able to share their skills in an adult-learning capacity.

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03. How much do I need to fundraise?

We ask our volunteers to raise 3000 euro.

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04. What does my fundraising cover?

Fundraising covers; flights, insurance, inoculations, pre-departure training, and food & accommodation while in Ethiopia.

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05. Will I be with other volunteers?

It depends on your placement and the time of year you travel. Some of the placements can take, two, three or four volunteers and others only take one volunteer.

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06. Where will I stay?

Our volunteers stay in the safe, secure community houses of the Daughters of Charity.

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07. What preparation do I have to undertake?

You may wish to undertake fundraising and awareness-raising in you work, home or community. You will have to attend pre-departure training sessions. Training is scheduled for May 9th & 10th 2009 in St. Peter's Church Phibsborough. More information on this weekend will be posted soon.

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08. What happens when I return home?

VLM facilitates a Coming Home day for our volunteers, in September/ October. It is a chance for people to meet up, reflect and share their experiences. It is also an ideal opportunity for people to explore how they might continue to stay involved with VLM.

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09. I can't go overseas, how can I make a contribution?

We have many supporters who have not volunteered overseas with VLM. They support us through fundraising, aware-raising, sharing their skills and professionalism with our VLM Dublin office. Why not drop in and see us or meet with our returned volunteers and supporters, and find out more.

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10. What pre-departure medical care do I need?

Part of the VLM pre-departure training covers medical care and health & safety issues. Subject to consultation with your GP, some of the vaccinations for travelling to Ethiopia would include Yellow Fever, Rabies, Hepatitis, Typhoid and anti-malaria tablets. Your medical care should be researched and begun about 1-2 months before leaving.

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